Step it up a notch and consider buying something special from a bakery or candy store.

Great Harvest Bakery in Springfield, Ill., has Honey Bunnies, individual sized rabbits made from honey whole-wheat dough. Handcrafted in the bakery, no two are exactly alike.

“This is a Great Harvest tradition we look forward to every spring,” said store owner Chris Tarpley. “The expressions on children’s faces are priceless” when tucked into a basket. The rabbit can be nestled in Bunny Munch granola, a mixture of nuts, raisins, seeds and dried fruit.

Hollow chocolate eggs filled with mixed nuts, jelly beans, assorted chocolates or foil eggs are a signature item at Pease’s Candy Shops in Springfield. They come in various sizes and can be personalized with the recipient’s name.

“The eggs can be filled with anything,” said Pease’s co-owner Rob Flesher. “We’ve been asked to put in car keys, engagement rings and all kinds of jewelry.”

Microwave morsels in large, uncovered, microwave-safe bowl on medium-high (70%) power for 1 minute; stir. The morsels may retain some of their original shape. If necessary, microwave at additional 10- to 15-second intervals, stirring just until morsels are melted. Stir in peanut butter until well blended.

Add chow mein noodles to morsel mixture; toss until coated. Using ice cream scoop that measures about 2 rounded tablespoons, scoop and drop onto prepared trays, then immediately shape into nests. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Before serving, place one or two foil-chocolate eggs in each nest. Store prepared nests in covered container for up to 1 day.

Makes 30 nests.

Easter Bunny Cupcakes

From Family Fun Magazine

A cupcake (baked from your favorite recipe)

White icing

Shredded coconut

Large marshmallow

Pink decorators’ sugar

Jelly beans

Sweet Tarts

Mini marshmallows

Decorators’ gel

Frost a cupcake with white icing. Sprinkle on shredded coconut “fur.”

Cut a large marshmallow in half widthwise. Squeeze each half slightly to give it an oval shape, then decorate the sticky side of each one with pink decorators’ sugar and set them in place for ears.

Add a jelly bean “nose” and either jelly bean or snipped Sweet Tart “eyes,” and mini marshmallows for “cheeks.” For a finishing touch, draw on decorators’ gel pupils or whiskers if you like.

Makes 1.

Kathryn Rem can be reached at 217-788-1520.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.